Tokyo Excess

A Recent Anime Merchandise Haul From AmiAmi

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:29:03 +0000

Actually, I ordered this from AmiAmi much earlier in the year. They were all on sale and were older figures and blind box sets. I got Rin and Nadeshiko in their adult forms from the Yuru Camp movie, and some Evangelion blind box sets. I'm kind of surprised that the Evangelion sets were available, but AmiAmi must have found old warehouse stock from a supplier or something. Still, I have yet to unbox the blind box sets, and maybe I'll do a Youtube video later.

My well packed box from AmiAmi

Popular Cozy Fantasy Novels in Japan and the West and Their History

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:02:37 +0000

Cozy Fantasy Defined

The fantasy genre of imagined worlds with swords and magic was most characterized by epic fantasy. Epic fantasy, such as The Lord of the Rings, was defined by its large scale: dark lords on looming thrones, epic quests, apocalyptic prophecies, shattered swords that must be remade, and empires hanging in the balance. Alongside these world-ending stakes, a kind of quiet fantasy brewed, sometimes even within these epic works.

Enter cozy fantasy, a recently defined subgenre that trades world-ending stakes for low-stakes, high-charm narratives. This term fully crystallized into a massive publishing phenomenon and BookTok sensation in the early 2020s. What makes cozy fiction what it is? It is built on an implicit contract of emotional safety between author and reader. There are no sudden, brutal character deaths or grimdark betrayals. Instead, the focus shifts to community, personal healing, sensory richness (the scent of brewing tea, rain on a thatched roof), competence in a craft (baking, bookshops, gardening), and the joy of a found family.

Wonderstruck in Tokyo, Cozy Fantasy Stories With A Hint of Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:57:38 +0000

Imagine a modern Tokyo where ancient myth, folklore, urban legends, and magic are real. This is the world of Wonderstruck in Tokyo. Now available on Amazon in paperback or ebook.

Nextool Micro Sailor S0 Scissors Review and Comparison of EDC Scissors

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:57:42 +0000

In this post, I'll look at the Micro Sailor S0 and do a quick comparison with some other EDC mini-scissors. The S0 is the most expensive out of all of the scissors, rivalling the Victorinox Classic.

The Micro Sailor S0

When I first saw the NexTool S0 (S Zero) scissors, I knew I wanted to get a couple of them. I was looking for a keychain multi-tool scissors that did not have a knife blade.

Why? There are three reasons:

1. Carry-on friendly for planes.

2. Pocketable or in a tiny EDC pouch.

3. Will be allowed in environments with no knives.

It is always good to have a few tools on hand, and scissors can do much of the work of a bladed tool in urban environments. If there are worries about confiscation when going through airport security (the S0 passes in many countries - but not Japan, for example), you should probably just not bring anything, or just small, blunt, inexpensive scissors.

Front of the box. This could be a nice small gift.

An Animated Book Trailer For My Novel Kumotawa Confluence

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:22:47 +0000

I released my novel Kumotawa Confluence, an urban fantasy, with moderate success last year. I had a short trailer for it on release, but I felt I could do better. In the last year, the capabilities of various tools have improved quite a bit, and I've been able to vastly improve the art and provide actual animation now.

Kumotawa Confluence follows Yuriko, a former special‑forces operator turned convenience‑store manager, who becomes entangled in a rising supernatural crisis on Mount Kumotawa. When a mysterious cat leads her into the fog‑shrouded slopes, she uncovers a hidden realm of yokai, ancient legends, and a looming threat tied to a malevolent god. Joined by fellow veterans, a steadfast policeman, the Sword Princess, and a determined group of high‑school girls known as the Gun Girls Auxiliary, Yuriko must confront sinister forces as the veil between worlds weakens. The story blends Japanese mythology, modern action, and escalating danger as these unlikely heroes fight to prevent a world‑ending disaster.

Yuriko and Ghost are on a trail, encountering a creature in the fog.

Myojo Rich Shoyu Low Carb Plus Noodle Cup Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:39:43 +0000

This is the rich soy sauce or rich shoyu flavour variant of the of the Myojo Low Carb Plus Noodle Cup line. I previously reviewed the Chicken version of this and it was actually pretty good. A lot of the details are similar about the products for engineering the low carbohydrate aspect of these noodles, so have a read of the chicken review for details here! Shoyu flavour noodles from Japan are pretty consistently good and I didn't expect any surprises and wasn't surprised.

3/4 view of the noodle cup. The flavour oil packet is still on the lid.

Myojo Chicken White Broth Low Carb Plus Noodle Cup Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:21:07 +0000

What will they think of next? Noodle companies are making cup of noodles more healthy or aiming for particular diets that people consume. There's like non-fried instant noodles, high-protein noodles, and now low carb noodles. I picked up this Myojo Chicken White Broth Low Carb Noodle Cup along with a shoyu cup awhile back. I kind of wondered if I would notice a difference between these noodles and the regular noodles. For example, when I tried a particular type of high protein noodles once they were had a fine grain to them - kind of like buckwheat noodles.

The packaging design of these noodle cups is quite distinctive. The chicken is bright yellow and green with the Low Carb logo in a big black rectangle. Flavour oil packet on lid.

Three People Who Survived Multiple Disasters

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 18 May 2026 01:51:50 +0000

The other night, I came across something on one of my newsfeeds. It was about a man who survived both the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and then Nagasaki. It made me think about the amount of sheer luck involved despite the mass destruction. I've had a few close calls that could have ended badly in my life, but when I think about this, life is pretty good after all. It doesn't matter if you're being audited, dumped by your romantic partner, paying a fine, or breaking a foot. If you're still breathing and able to go on, it's a good thing, so keep motoring on. I then remembered there was this guy who survived the Titanic, then worked on the Lusitania that got torpedoed and survived. When I was looking him up, I found out about another lady who survived THREE ship sinkings, including the Titanic. Wow, some people have the worst and best luck. All three of these people went on to live fairly long or really long lives, too.

1. Tsutomu Yamaguchi

Lifespan: 1916–2010 (93 years)

The only person officially recognized by Japan as having survived both atomic bombings — Hiroshima and Nagasaki — just three days apart.

Event history

Hiroshima (Aug 6, 1945):

Yamaguchi was on a business trip for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries when the bomb detonated about 3 km away. He suffered burns, temporary blindness, and ruptured eardrums.

Nagasaki (Aug 9, 1945):

He returned home to Nagasaki and reported to work despite injuries. While describing the Hiroshima blast to his supervisor, the second bomb detonated — again roughly 3 km away. He survived a second time and later developed radiation sickness.

Personal history

Born in Nagasaki, he worked as a draftsman designing oil tankers. After the war, he became a vocal advocate for nuclear disarmament. He lived a long life despite radiation exposure and died at age 93.

2. Violet Jessop

Lifespan: 1887–1971 (84 years)

Nicknamed “Miss Unsinkable,” she survived three major maritime disasters: the Olympic collision, the Titanic sinking, and the Britannic sinking.

Event history

RMS Olympic (1911):

Working as a stewardess when the ship collided with HMS Hawke. She was unharmed.

RMS Titanic (1912):

Survived the sinking after helping passengers into lifeboats; she boarded Lifeboat 16 and was rescued by the Carpathia.

HMHS Britannic (1916):

Serving as a nurse when the ship struck a mine and sank. She escaped by jumping from the ship and narrowly avoided being pulled into the propellers.

Personal history

Born to Irish immigrants in Argentina, she spent her life working at sea for the White Star Line and later the Red Cross. She retired to England and lived quietly until her death at age 84.

3. George William Beauchamp

Lifespan: 1888–1965 (77 years)

A British sailor and fireman who survived both the Titanic (1912) and the Lusitania (1915) — two of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Event history

RMS Titanic (1912):

Working as a fireman stoker in the engine room when the ship struck the iceberg. He escaped via an engine‑room ladder, helped load Lifeboat 13, and eventually boarded it himself.

RMS Lusitania (1915):

Serving as a stoker when the ship was torpedoed by a German U‑boat off Ireland. He survived the sinking and later vowed to avoid large ships.

Personal history

Born in Totton, England, he continued working at sea for years before becoming a dockworker in Southampton. Known for his blunt testimony at the Titanic inquiry, he lived to age 77.

Nongshim Demon KPop Hunters Instant Noodle Cups Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 13 May 2026 22:36:09 +0000

Nongshim has a good ramen collaboration with KPop Demon Hunters going. It started with the bag ramen and then I saw these instant noodle cups. I wasn't expecting anything fantastic, but you get to taste what each of the Huntrix character's favourite flavours are, so it is a nice touch.

There are three different cups in the promotion, one for each of the main characters Rumi, Zoey, and Mira. I do like how they did up the cups to make them all unique in colour and design, yet keep common elements to bind the designs together. The manga or should I say manwha style for the characters is also a nice touch, rather than using CG art like in the animated movie.

Without further intro, lets get to tasting these noodles.

Tokyo Anime and Art Exhibits From May 2026 to August 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:40:05 +0000

Some of the larger anime, pop culture, and art museum exhibits taking place in Tokyo between May and August 2026. While there are some anime exhibitions (the big ones for Ghost in the Shell and Evangelion are over), so what really catches my attention are the exhibits on pop culture such as the Hokusai to Manga, and the art of Neo-pop with Murakami. I'd definitely go and see those! The Hello Kitty one could be quite interesting to see too!

Comic Market 108 (Summer Comiket)

The world’s largest fan-driven event for independent manga, novels, and games. The "Corporate Booth" area features major anime studios (MAPPA, Aniplex, etc.) selling exclusive merchandise and debuting new trailers.

Venue Name: Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake)
Dates: August 15, 2026 - August 16, 2026
Event Website: comiket.co.jp

Ghibli Museum Special Exhibition: "The Gift of Animation"

A new rotating exhibition exploring the tactile nature of hand-drawn animation. It features original cells and background paintings from Studio Ghibli’s latest projects, specifically focusing on the evolution of color palettes.

Venue Name: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Dates: June 6, 2026 through August 2026
Event Website: ghibli-museum.jp

Hokusai and the Floating World: From Edo to Manga

A major retrospective linking classical Ukiyo-e art to modern visual storytelling. The exhibit showcases over 150 works by Katsushika Hokusai and analyzes his influence on the layout and pacing of contemporary manga.

Venue Name: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Ueno Park)
Dates: July 4, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Event Website: tobikan.jp

Modernism in Japan: 1950–1975

A deep dive into the post-war Japanese art scene, featuring paintings, architectural models, and early industrial design that defined Japan's rapid modernization and visual identity during the mid-20th century.

Venue Name: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
Dates: May 20, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Event Website: momat.go.jp

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth x TOKYO CITY VIEW

A collaboration between the science-based anime Orb and the Roppongi observatory. It features high-resolution production art displayed alongside real astronomical tools, set against a panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline.

Venue Name: Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills)
Dates: April 10, 2026 - June 8, 2026
Event Website: tcv.roppongihills.com

Sanrio Exhibition FINAL ver. – 60 Years of Kawaii Culture

The ultimate conclusion to the Sanrio world tour, this exhibit displays rare archival materials, design sketches of Hello Kitty and My Melody, and collaborations with contemporary artists exploring the "Kawaii" aesthetic.

Venue Name: Mori Arts Center Gallery (Roppongi Hills)
Dates: April 9, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Event Website: tokyofinalexhibition.com

Shonen Jump Summer Festival 2026

An annual celebration of Weekly Shonen Jump titles. The 2026 event features life-sized character statues, interactive "Trial of the Hero" games, and a pop-up café themed after currently airing anime series.

Venue Name: Sunshine City, Ikebukuro
Dates: July 18, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Event Website: shonenjump.com

The Art of Neo-Pop: Murakami and the Next Generation

A survey of contemporary Japanese art that blurs the lines between "fine art" and "subculture." The exhibit highlights Takashi Murakami’s "Superflat" movement and its lasting impact on the global art market.

Venue Name: Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills)
Dates: May 25, 2026 - August 31, 2026
Event Website: mori.art.museum

Tokyo Toy Show 2026 (Public Days)

Japan’s largest toy trade show. While the first two days are for industry, the weekend is open to the public, featuring massive displays of anime figures (Gundam, Transformers) and interactive game demos.

Venue Name: Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake)
Dates: June 11, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Event Website: toys.or.jp

Building the Gundam HG GQuuuuuuX 1/144 Gunpla Kit (A More Difficult Kit)

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:26:00 +0000

Last year, I picked up the model kits for the Gundam GQuuuuuX and the Aerial. I'm going to call GQuuuuuX Gux from now on as I still can't believe they'd name the anime and the Gundam such a long and silly name. As an author, it is downright hostile for your readers. I built the Aerial first and it wasn't too bad, but I will say the Gux was a challenge on another level.

I started building the Gux last year and finished building the heads before I stopped. Just assembling the head and torso took an afternoon. I stopped after that and took a really long break before picking it up again. The Gux kit has really tiny parts and lots of teeny weeny stickers to apply. This is one of the more challenging kits to assemble with more than one place that has gotchas if you don't interpret the assembly instructions correctly. This kit is also harder to assemble than the Aerial with more parts as the mobile suit is much more complicated from a design perspective. I'm pretty sure no one would have animated this without CG with this design!

Peyoung Super Large Tenkasu MAX Yakisoba Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:50:00 +0000

I got this Peyoung Super Large Tenkasu MAX Yakisoba last year on sale for the price of regular sized instant yakisoba noodles. They were large portions of noodles to say the least. Peyoung yakisoba are a staple in Japan, showing up on store shelves in their white packaging. They also jazz up their fried noodle offering by combining different flavours and ingredients. In this case, the yakisoba is their standard yakisoba flavour jazzed up by being super-sized and full of tempura bits to give it some light crunch!

In their own words "We have developed a product with a fun texture that uses plenty of crispy tempura. There are three types of tenkasu used: plain, with blue, and red ginger flavor. In addition to the crispy texture, each flavor is an accent, so you can enjoy it without getting bored until the end." Tenkasu are savory, crunchy, deep-fried flour batter bits used as a topping or ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

3/4 view of the package. It has dark brown colours to give it a deep wood tone that accentuates the japanese restaurant background.You can pretend you're in a nice restaurant instead of in front of the TV. If you didn't think it was big the words MAX should clue you in.

Baixiang Spicy Beef Flavour Coriander Stir Fry Noodle Bowl (It's Green!) Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:07:00 +0000

This is a review of an instant bowl noodle that has GREEN noodles and lots of cilantro and coriander. This is the Baixiang Spicy Beef Flavour Coriander Stir Fry Noodle Bowl and it is not to be mistaken with the bag noodle version of this product which is a soup. This version has you draining the water to make it more like stir fry noodles and I suspect it is tastier than the soup version.

Before I continue, lets talk about coriander. Coriander and cilantro come from the same plant (Coriandrum Sativum), but they refer to different parts! Cilantro refers to the fresh, bright green leaves and stems (like flat parsley), while coriander refers to the plant's dried, round, beige seeds. This fried noodle dish incorporates cilantro into the noodles to make them green and gives you TWO PACKETS of dried cilantro to throw on top and also has coriander spice in it. There is a lot of cilantro in this dish!

I'm not sure if these are an instant version of an existing Chinese dish, but coriander (cilantro) and fried green noodles often refer to aromatic, herb-forward stir-fry or dipping dishes. These dishes combine fresh, grassy notes with spicy oil, garlic, and vinegar. There is something called Cilantro Belt Noodles (Xi'an/Shaanxi Style) which is a specialty from Shaanxi province where cilantro is integrated directly into the broad/flat noodles or served as a prominent side. In these dishes, the dough is often made with a cilantro purée, or the dish is heavily garnished with fresh coriander. The noodles in this bowl are not broad though, being more like green ramen noodles.

The lid of the spicy beef coriander noodle bowl. It is very green, and it isn't just the amount of coriander in the picture! Directions are in the right hand corner area. All other information is on this lid from the ingredients, manufacturing information, nutritional info, etc.

Maruchan Beef Yakiniku Yakisoba Noodle Bowl Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:29:00 +0000

This nifty yakisoba style beef yakiniku noodle bowl from Maruchan was a great little find at T&T. I actually cannot find it right now on the Toyo Suisan / Maruchan Japan website so I think it is was a limited time item. The bowl shape is just like their soup noodles for their 麺づくり (Make Noodles) line of bowls except the lid is different to allow you to drain the water away.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this, so tasting it was going to be a surprise. Beef yakiniku consists of bite-sized, thinly sliced pieces of beef that are grilled and then dipped in sweet and savory soy-based sauce (tare) or other dipping sauces. If you ever do this in person, expect a savoury beefy aroma to fill the air and then there is the rich smell of the tare mixed in too. BBQ is absolutely delicious, so any ramen bowl that simulates this has a lot to live up to!

Angle view of the bowl.

Modern Military Portal Fantasy Novels and Kumotawa Confluence

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:12:00 +0000

Modern military portal fantasy is a subgenre of speculative fiction where contemporary armed forces—soldiers, vehicles, tactics, and technology—are transported through a portal or dimensional rift into a fantastical world filled with magic, mythical creatures, or pre‑industrial societies. The core appeal comes from the clash between modern military power and the unfamiliar environment of a fantasy realm, often exploring themes like technological superiority, cultural misunderstanding, ethical dilemmas, and the limits of force when confronted with magic or radically different civilizations. It blends the gritty realism of modern warfare with the wonder and unpredictability of high fantasy, creating stories that hinge on strategic adaptation, world‑building contrasts, and the consequences of two very different worlds colliding.

This subgenre serves as the ultimate "What If?" for history and military buffs. However, the most successful stories are those that recognize that while a bullet can kill a wizard, it cannot easily kill the social and political structures that the wizard represents. Themes that are often present include:

Tactical Friction: The narrative focuses on the technical "crunch" of combat. It asks how a Kevlar vest fares against a magical arrow, assault rifles versus knights, or how a .50 machinegun handles a target like a dragon.
The Logistical Clock: A central tension is the depleting supply chain. Without a modern industrial base, a soldier is only as effective as their last magazine. This leads to a race against time to manufacture ammo, refine fuel, or create replacement parts in a world with no factories.
Technology "Uplift": Because they are cut off from Earth, the modern force often must jumpstart an Industrial Revolution. They teach local populations how to build steam engines, produce penicillin, and create rifled muskets just to maintain their survival.
Moral & Cultural Shock: These stories often examine the friction of modern Rules of Engagement (ROE) and modern values when applied to feudal, often brutal, fantasy empires.

There are also three popular variations in this subgenre based on the size of the military unit that is sent to another world.

The Squad: A small unit (Rangers, Marines, APC) must survive behind enemy lines. Examples: Forgotten Ruin, Doomfarers of Coromonde
The Nation/Base: An entire island, ship, or nation is transported, requiring the story to deal with the logistical clock and technology uplift issues. Examples: Island in the Sea of Time, Destroyermen
The Stable Gate: A permanent portal allows armies to pass and for logistics, trade, and politics between Earth and the other world. Examples: Gate, Manifest Fantasy.

I enjoy reading portal fantasy and when I wrote my novel "Kumotawa Confluence" it combined tropes from urban / contemporary fantasy with military portal fantasy and "girls with guns" anime. I aimed for a more character driven and "realistic depiction" in the story with some rich world-building that included Japanese myth, magic, and travel between worlds.

I'll talk more about my novel at the end, but first, I want to give a rough chronology of some famous military portal fantasy works. Hopefully it will introduce something new to anyone looking for additional reads in this genre.

Magical Girls and Tactical Military Anime and Manga Development

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:37:00 +0000

I never thought all that deeply about the history of "girls with guns," "magical girls," "mecha-musume," and "magical girl tactical" developments. One of the first shows I watched with one these genres was NOIR, a show I really need to rewatch from beginning to end again. It is strange that the history I cover ends with Lycoris Recoil a modern descendant of this show that is influenced by the other titles shown in this article. Why did I research this? Partially out of curiosity and also because I wrote a tactical urban fantasy novel set in modern Japan which also utilize tropes from some of these series. I'll talk more about Kumotawa Confluence at the end, but do have a look at the chronology I've compiled as you might find something you want to read or watch.

The evolution of military and magical girl series began by moving away from original magical girl tropes—characterized by sparkly transformations, whimsical wands, and moral lessons—toward a gritty, tactical realism. Keep in mind that series with the original tropes never really died away, as multiple PreCure series are still being churned out. Early 2000s titles like Noir and Gunslinger Girl, not magical girl shows themselves, stripped away the fantasy entirely in favor of professional assassination, while Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha rebranded magic as a computational military science with staves that functioned like high-tech rifles. This shift replaced the shoujo (young girl) focus on romance and friendship with the mecha-musume aesthetic in series such as Strike Witches and KanColle. The girls were integrated into military bureaucracies, utilized mechanical components, and operated within strict command structures to fight alien threats.

By the 2010s, the genre moved even further from its lighthearted roots into psychological deconstruction, framing the magical girl not as a superhero, but as a traumatized child soldier. Series like Madoka Magica and Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka rejected the optimistic save the world narrative of early series like Sailor Moon, focusing instead on PTSD, the physical cost of combat, and the grim reality of magical terrorism. This culminated in modern hits like Lycoris Recoil, which blend high-fidelity Gun-Fu and realistic firearm ballistics with a secret-service setting. Ultimately, the genre transformed magic from a miraculous gift into a standardized weapon system, emphasizing combat, weaponry, and the heavy emotional burden of state-level violence. There still are more tactical, yet light hearted anime like Girls und Panzer, so it isn't all dark, though. Lycoris Recoil isn't particularly dark or magical, except for the protagonist's ability to dodge bullets like Neo does in the Matrix, but it takes us back to the girls with guns roots that I started with.

NOTE: Dates shown are the first publication/release date in Japan.

Nissin Muteppou Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Cup Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:51:00 +0000

Nissin collaborated with Muteppou, to create this tonkotsu shoyu cup noodle. Muteppou is famous for its exceptionally rich and thick tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen that is considered to have a very intense flavour. Its rich, high-concentration broth is made with pork bones and water, simmered for several days, in a multi-stage process until the marrow melts into the soup. The broth has a unique, syrup-like texture due to the high amount of collagen and fat, resulting in a kotteri (thick and rich) flavor. Muteppou is originally a Kyoto-based ramen chain that now has locations in other major Japanese cities.

3/4 view of the Muteppou Ramen Cup. It has a distinctive look.

Significant Japanese High Fantasy Novels With English Translations

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 04:50:00 +0000

I started researching this topic thinking that it would be simple, but it turns out I underestimated the complexity. I wanted high fantasy novels written by Japanese authors that have been translated into English but found more nuanced choices. I didn’t really want to go into isekai or portal fantasy, but it's going to cross over. High fantasy is like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and not set on our Earth. Isekai is about being reborn or occupying a body (kind of sucks to be the previous owner of said body) in another fantasy world, and portal fantasy is just being transported or gated to another world. Some works which are very high fantasy-ish are often portal or isekai, too.

By no means is the following list comprehensive, but it contains what I would consider to be some of the more historically significant or interesting titles. There are many fantasy light novels and I have not covered many of them, especially if they are heavy on the isekai theme (and I quite like a few of these, too). Examples that are heavy on the isekai are Overlord, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, or Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, etc. Some of these books are part of a series, especially if they are light novels. I've also excluded light novels that came after an anime/manga such as Fairy Tail. In addition, works like Spice and Wolf are excluded as they are low fantasy. The following list of books is presented chronologically by approximate Japanese publication date.

Nissin AFURI Yuzu Shio Bowl Noodle Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:40:00 +0000

I picked up this bowl of instant noodles last time I was in Japan. I've never eaten at AFURI in Tokyo, but I've had some citrusy yuzu ramen before. AFURI is best known in Japan for its signature yuzu ramen—a refreshing twist on traditional ramen that balances light chicken-based broth with the bright, citrusy kick of yuzu.

Founded near Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and later expanding to Tokyo’s Ebisu in 2003, AFURI has built a cult following for its shio ramen infused with yuzu, offering a delicate yet complex flavor that stands apart from heavier tonkotsu styles.

3/4 view of the bowl. It is bright yellow in colour to match their logo

Urban Fantasy Novels, Anime, Games Set In Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Urban fantasy is everywhere in Japanese pop culture, showing up in books, manga, anime, and games. These stories take modern Japan and weave in the supernatural, blending everyday life with magic in a seamless fashion. Sometimes, it’s just a touch of magical realism or surrealism—genres that thrive in Japan’s hyper-modern, round-the-clock cities. With all the neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and the constant bustle of big city life, it’s easy to imagine a hidden world just beneath the surface. Even the efficiency of high-tech society can feel like magic—how convenience stores always seem stocked with exactly what you need or how trains run with near-perfect precision.

Japan’s culture makes urban fantasy even richer. There’s a constant mix of old and new—temples standing beside glass towers, ancient traditions still alive in a country racing toward the future. Shinto and Buddhist practices remain woven into daily life, and folklore about spirits, yokai, and gods are everywhere, influencing everything from local festivals to modern media. It’s no wonder so many stories explore a version of Japan where these mystical elements linger in the shadows of busy streets.

And urban fantasy here isn’t just recycling the same ideas—it keeps evolving. Writers and artists build on previous works, pulling in myths from other cultures and adding fresh perspectives. These stories are not just about action as some dive into real-world concerns, too, tackling themes like loneliness, the tension between tradition and modern life, and how technology shapes society. There’s something timeless about the idea of hidden worlds coexisting with modernity, where forgotten gods, restless spirits, and ordinary people collide in unexpected ways.

When I visit Tokyo, I'm always a bit wowed by the intense urban landscape and seeing places that I first saw or read about in anime, games, or novels. It's kind of like an adult Disney, with all the things to see, eat, and do. There's always a bit of magic to the place when you come as an anime fan, as it's fun to see the aspects of the imagined world brought to life.

In this article, I'm going to list a number of Japanese urban fantasy creative works to get anyone going on the fantastical, creative side of Japanese pop culture. I'm leaving out vampires (Hellsing, Akiba's Trip, Blood+, etc.), cat girls, gangster maids in Akihabara, time travel (Erased, Stein's Gate, Tokyo Revengers, etc.), and many others, so it is a starter list.

Please check out Kumotawa Confluence, my urban fantasy novel set in Japan, at the end of the article!

Building the 1/144 HG Gundam Aerial Kit from Bandai

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:47:00 +0000

It's been a long time since I assembled a Gunpla (Gundam plastic model kit). I keep buying the darn things, but never sit down long enough to crack one open to assemble. It turns out for the HG 1/144 scale model kits, there is variation in how detailed the build can be based on the Gundam. After building the 1/144 HG Gundam Aerial kit I checked the RX-78 kit and the Gundam GQuuuuuuX kits I also have and the GQuuuuuuX kit is even more complex than the Aerial. The RX-78 kit is the simplest and closest to what I remember you have to do. It took me 3 hours a day over 2 days to build the Aerial model with my cat helping me! My next kit will be the GQuuuuuuX (Click this link!).

My cat watching me snip and assemble pieces with the odd helpful paw in the way.

Gundam Gunpla Kits For Aerial, GQuuuuuuX and Amate Yuzuriha Figure Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:50:00 +0000

When I was in Tokyo in May of this year, I went to Gundam Base in Odaiba to take a look at all of the model kits and displays. Gundam GQuuuuuuX was on and I wanted to get a kit of the GQux (I'm not writing out all of the u's (it's kind of silly). Of course the entire section for the series was sold out. This happened to me with the Aerieal Gundam, too, a few years previously, when Witch From Mercury was airing. It really didn't matter where you were in Japan when there is a new Gundam series - it is going to be hard to find the kits when they are hot. Finally, this fall, I saw the GQux kit for sale at AmiAmi and picked one up along with a second hand UFO prize catcher figure of Amate Yuzuriha that was on sale. I picked up the gunpla for a little above cost and the figure for half price, so yay!

GQux and Witch are both mecha series that are written with more sensitivity, characters, and plots that would appeal beyond the stereotypical mecha fan action plot with some politics thrown in. This started with Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans and I have to say I'm enjoying these more character driven storylines. While GQux is set in a universe where Zeon won the One Year War, but has been a little controversial due to the parallel universe crossing element and a bit of pulling things out of nowhere. I'm okay with the parallel universe plotline and I do find it cool as there is more emphasis on minor characters, especially on Challia Bull who was killed by Amuro Ray in the original series.

In my final figure purchases this fall, I received another version of Rin from Yuru Camp, and Amate figure, and the GQux 1/144 HG kit from Bandai. I thought it would be fun to show the heroins with their respective Gundam units in the background here.

Nissin Kanzen (Complete Meal) Soupless Cup Noodle Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 01:20:00 +0000

The Kanzen line of products started with curry rice years ago and I reviewed it back then. On my last trip to Japan I picked up the Kanzen Yakisoba Cup Noodle at a konbini. I enjoyed he curry rice version a few times so I really wondered what the Cup Noodle version was like!

It turns out the Cup Noodle version comes in the same paper cup as the instant rice versions with different artwork on the outside. It resembles a squat Cup Noodle cup with all the similar logos and writing. It emphasizes the complete meal aspect with the Kanzen blue circle logo. I'm kind of fond of this logo with yellow outline for it as I received a free squishy ball in the same blue + logo the first time I bought this. My cat loves playing with it too. These special meal cups are easy to spot as they have a huge clear plastic cap on top with more description describing how special they are. Under the cap are the powdered sauce base in a big foil pouch and a seasoning oil packet.

Kanzen Cup Noodle package.

Fall 2025 Japanese Figure Haul For Gundam Witch From Mercury and Frieren

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:23:00 +0000

I had a small shipment come in from Japan just before Canada Post went on strike again (October 2025). I picked up three figures from two of my favourite anime in the last few years to complete pairings. Frieren is the more recent fantasy anime I bought a Fern figure for and thankfully the series is not isekai. I also find it hard to believe that The Witch From Mercury aired three years ago as I write this and that it has already been two years for Frieren. Time flies sometimes. I think I enjoy collecting figures because of the joy that some of the main characters have brought into my life, so I hope that anyone who watches these shows also enjoys them too.

Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage in Meguro - Buddhism and Shinto in Historic Tokyo

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:28:00 +0000

Tokyo is a ton of fun to visit. There's high tech wonders, plenty of shopping, and great dining. It is an old city that rapidly grew in the Edo Period as Edo, the capital city of Japan. The city was razed to the ground by earthquakes and great fires, and was even firebombed in WWII. Every time, the city was rebuilt. This doesn't mean there isn't a lot of history here, but much of it is tucked away in quieter corners, not on the tourist trail. For history and a dash of culture, most visitors see the National Museum with its great artifacts, the Tokyo-Edo museum, Shitamachi Museum, Imperial Palace East Gardens, visit old Yanaka, and experience Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. There are many shrines and temples to visit too such as Kanda Myojin or Kameido Tenjin, and if your timing is right, you can catch a festival or different blooms in season.

Seven Gods of Good Fortune by Katsushika Hokusai. CC0 from The Metropolitan Museum of Art